South Africa entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistani passport holders need an eVisa to visit South Africa in 2026. It's a single-entry permit for tourism or business, and you must apply online before you travel. Processing can take up to 10 working days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a South African eVisa at the Department of Home Affairs portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure. You'll need a digital passport photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 2 blank pages | Your Pakistani passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa. Carry two blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask for this during the visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry recent bank statements showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay, or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself. | Recommended |
eVisa processing times can vary
Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight. Some applications take the full 10 working days. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the eVisa in hand.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in South Africa, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa website. Fill in the application form, upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the fee (around ZAR 1,350, about $75 USD). Processing takes 5–10 working days.
2
Wait for approval
You'll receive an email with your eVisa approval. Check all details — name, passport number, dates. If anything is wrong, contact the eVisa helpdesk immediately.
3
Print and save your eVisa
Print a paper copy of the eVisa approval. Also save a screenshot on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in South Africa.
4
Arrive at a major airport
Fly into Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), or Durban (DUR). At immigration, present your passport, eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually for the duration of your eVisa.
5
Keep documents handy during your stay
Carry your passport and eVisa with you. Police or immigration may do random checks, especially in tourist areas. Having a copy of your accommodation booking also helps.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostR1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single visit.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostR2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
Validity3 years
CostR5,000 (~$278 USD)
For retirees or long-term visitors with sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 3 years, renewable
R5,000 (~$278 USD) application fee
For individuals aged 55+ with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of funds and medical cover. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
R2,500 (~$139 USD) application fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires proof of qualifications and labour market approval.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
R2,500 (~$139 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized South African institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
R5,000 (~$278 USD) application fee
For individuals investing at least R5 million in a South African business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Pakistan passport holders applying online. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applied at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, processed at South African embassy. | R1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | R2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | R500 (~$28 USD) per day, max R10,000 (~$555 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Possible at immigration offices for valid reasons. | R1,500 (~$83 USD) per extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders require a transit visa to pass through South Africa, even if staying airside. Apply at the nearest South African embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park) during rainy season.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers.
Malaria risk: moderate
Malaria risk exists in parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for travel to these areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Barrack Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.25 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa from outside South Africa.
You'll get an email explaining the reason. Common reasons: incomplete documents, unclear passport scan, or insufficient funds. You can reapply, but you'll need to fix the issue first. There's no appeal process.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Check the WHO list. If you do, you'll need the yellow fever certificate at immigration.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any official port of entry — airports and land borders. But most travellers fly into Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban.
The eVisa fee is approximately ZAR 1,350 (about $75 USD). This is paid online during the application. There are no additional visa fees at the border.
It's not a strict requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a bank statement or credit card with a reasonable balance is a good idea.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.